The ability to thoroughly and accurately photograph a crime scene is a mandate for all investigators, regardless of the time of day, weather conditions, or confines within which a piece of evidence is concealed. Evidence is commonly found in locations that are some of the most difficult to access and photograph. Having the knowledge, wherewithal, and skills necessary to photograph evidence in less-than-accommodating environments is vital to a photographer’s effectiveness and success.
Advanced Crime Scene Photography, Third Edition takes a somewhat different approach to the subject over prior editions. Rather than assuming a crime scene investigator’s or photographer’s comfort with the operation of their cameras—and a basic understanding of apertures, shutter speeds, ISO values, and basic exposure calculations—the author has added coverage to provide a thorough review of basic photographic concepts, as a refresher to readers. And, for those less familiar or otherwise new to photography, such background makes the foundational concepts more understandable for those readers who require such information to understand the more advanced techniques covered later in the book. In addition to this background coverage, an entirely new chapter has been added to provide essential guidance on how to prepare and testify in court.
Anyone with a camera phone can take a photograph in perfect lighting, with the subject sitting out in the open, and already positioned for the best composition. This book provides crime scene photographers with the skills necessary to record those same beautiful photographs in adverse condition, surrounded by tragedy, utilizing all the tools available to the investigator. The greatest tool a photographer has available to them is their brain. From start to finish, the value of quality crime scene photographs cannot be overemphasized; photographers must take control of their photographic endeavors, identify the challenges, design a plan to capture the image correctly, and then execute that plan.
As such Advanced Crime Scene Photograph, Third Edition is written to help photographers achieve the goal of capturing the best possible images—especially in those difficult-to-capture, real-world environments and conditions—for utilization in capture illustrative images as admissible evidence and for usage in court. All photographers need to practice their craft, whether they are actively working cases as seasoned veterans or are just beginning their careers. This book provides the knowledge and skills essential to achieve career and professional success in crime scene photography.
Author(s): Christopher D. Duncan
Edition: 3
Publisher: CRC Press
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 460
City: Boca Raton
Cover
Half Title
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Table of Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Author Biography
1 Introduction
1.1 Review of Basic Photographic Concepts
1.2 Stops of Light and Light Evaluation
1.3 Creating a Lasting Impression
1.4 Thinking Outside of the Box
1.5 Advanced Crime Scene Photography
1.6 Basic Photography Concepts Review Test
1.7 Photography Assignment
2 Photography Equipment
2.1 Cameras
2.1.1 Lenses
2.1.1.1 Lens Filters and Attachments
2.1.2 Tripods and Other Camera Supports
2.2 Identification Markers
2.3 Electronic and Strobe Flashes
2.4 Cable and Remote Shutter Releases
2.5 Hard Cases, Soft Cases, and Backpacks
2.6 Conclusion
2.7 End of Questions
2.8 Photography Assignments
Additional Readings
3 Crime Scene Photography
3.1 Preparation and General Photography Tips
3.2 Capturing the Impossible Shot
3.3 Kodak’s Top 10 Tips for Better Photographs
3.4 Bracketing
3.5 Overall Crime Scene Photography
3.6 Panoramic View Compositions
3.7 Midrange Or Evidence Establishing Photography
3.8 Depth of Field
3.9 Adding Artistic Flair
3.10 Close-Up Photography
3.11 Close-Focused Images Recorded at the Crime Scene
3.12 Close-Up Images Captured After Leaving the Crime Scene
3.13 Lighting Close-Focused Subjects
3.14 Conclusion
3.15 End of Questions
3.16 Photography Assignments
Additional Readings
4 Examination Quality Photo
4.1 RAW and Digital Imaging
4.2 Scales
4.3 Fingerprint Photography
4.4 Footwear and Tire Wear Impressions Photography
4.4.1 2-Dimensional Impressions
4.4.2 3-Dimensional Impressions
4.5 Painting With Light On a Macro Scale
4.6 Conclusion
4.7 End of Questions
4.8 Photography Assignments
Additional Readings
5 Nighttime and Low-Light Photography
5.1 Attributes of Light
5.2 Reciprocity Failure: Film Versus Digital
5.3 Working Low-Light and Nighttime Crime Scenes
5.4 Conclusion
5.5 End of Questions
5.6 Photography Assignments
Additional Readings
6 Flash Photography
6.1 Guide Numbers
6.2 Flash Operation
6.3 Built-In Or Pop-Up Flashes
6.4 Off-The-Camera Electronic Flash Photography
6.5 Benefits of Flash Photography
6.6 High-Speed Flash Photography
6.7 Challenges of Flash Photography
6.8 Using Electronic Flash in a Variety of Low-Light Conditions
6.9 Directionality of Light From Electronic Flashes
6.10 Conclusion
6.11 End of Questions
6.12 Photography Assignments
Additional Readings
7 Painting With Light
7.1 Types of Lighting
7.1.1 Painting With Light Using Electronic Flashes
7.1.2 Painting With Light Using Flashlights
7.1.3 Painting With Light Using ALS
7.2 Conclusion
7.3 End of Questions
7.4 Photography Assignments
Additional Readings
8 Bloodstain Photography
8.1 Complete Scene Documentation
8.2 Photography Tools and Aids Used in Bloodstain Photography
8.3 Laser Levels and Bloodstain Documentation
8.4 Quadrant Mapping of Bloodstain Evidence
8.5 Necessary Tools
8.6 Photographing Bloodstains On Difficult Surfaces
8.7 Electronic Flash and Bloodstain Evidence
8.8 Glass and Blood
8.9 Magically Disappearing Bloodstains
8.10 Close Focusing
8.11 Luminol, Bluestar®, and Other Chemiluminescent Blood Reagents
8.11.1 Necessary Equipment
8.11.2 Bloodstains and Colored Substratum
8.12 Conclusion
8.13 End of Questions
8.14 Photography Assignments
Additional Readings
9 Photography of Shooting Incidents
9.1 General Photographic Concepts When Documenting Shooting Scenes
9.1.1 Examination Quality Photography of Gunfire Incidents
9.2 Rods, Strings, and Lasers
9.2.1 Trajectory Rods
9.2.2 Strings
9.2.3 Lasers
9.2.3.1 Daytime Laser Reconstruction
9.3 Conclusion
9.4 End of Questions
9.5 Photography Assignments
Additional Readings
10 Ultraviolent and Infrared Photography
10.1 Ultraviolet Light Photography
10.1.1 Forgery and Document Alterations
10.1.2 Fibers and Other Trace Evidence
10.1.3 Gunpowder Residue
10.1.4 Semen, Blood, and Other Bodily Fluids
10.1.5 Bruises and Bite Marks
10.1.6 Fingerprint Enhancements
10.1.7 Osseous Matter
10.2 Infrared Photography
10.2.1 Tattoo Evidence
10.2.2 Forgeries and Document Alterations
10.2.3 Bloodstain Documentation
10.2.4 Gunshot Residue
10.3 Conclusion
10.4 End of Questions
10.5 Photography Assignments
Additional Readings
11 Photographing Fire Scenes
11.1 Conclusion
11.2 End of Questions
11.3 Photography Assignments
Additional Readings
12 Photography and the Courtroom
12.1 Testifying in Court
12.2 What One Can Expect in Court
12.3 Processing of Digital Images
12.4 Conclusion
12.5 End of Questions
Additional Readings
Answer Key to End of Questions
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Index
